Management of Non-Isolation of the Patients of Tuberculosis and its Community Risks in the Department of Bouake (Ivory Coast)

Tuberculosis management remains a major challenge in Côte d’Ivoire, with significant implications for public health. The objective of this study is to understand the reasons for the non-isolation of tuberculosis patients, as well as to analyze the associated risks for the community in the Bouake department. To achieve this, the study relied on techniques (direct observation, participant observation, document review, focus group, and semi-structured interview) and tools (interview guide and field diary) for qualitative data collection. It also mobilized theories of social representations and social behavior change to deepen the analyses. The results of this research have shown, on the one hand, that the lack of infrastructure, insufficient awareness, priority to care, surveillance and monitoring constitute obstacles to management. On the other hand, it showed that the spread of the disease, the increase in cases requiring treatment, the living conditions of populations, accessibility to care as well as stigmatization and social exclusion are all risks for communities. This requires a holistic approach with innovative approaches in order to contribute to better public health.